Harold “Dean” Paderick, 79, of Troutville, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, after complications from a long battle with cancer.
Dean enjoyed many years working in various, exciting and innovative careers. He was in the fire service since 1965, following a tour with the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as the Fire Chief in Troutville and became a Virginia State Certified Fire Instructor in 1974. He was an Area Supervisor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in 1990, later promoted to Director of Training for the Commonwealth in 1994. There, he served as Agency Legislative Liaison as well as the Technical Instruction Supervisor and Coordinator.
In February 1998, Dean retired from State Service with over 25 years in the Public Safety arena. He taught courses at the local, state, and national level, including the National Emergency Training Center/National Fire Academy. He served as faculty and presenter for conferences including FDIC (Fire Department Instructors’ Conference) and First Due. He is noted for having started the Heavy and Tactical Rescue Program in Virginia in 1980 and for creating “Da Worm,” an internationally recognized Confined Space Training Module. As a member of FEMA’s US&R VA TF-2, Dean primarily served as a Plans Officer, with Safety Officer and Rescue Technician qualifications, as well. He served on two NFPA Committees: Special Operations Protective Clothing and Equipment and Life Safety Rope.
He was part of a team that responded to the September 11 crisis at both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Other crisis responses include the Oklahoma City bombing, Hurricane Katrina, Mexico City earthquake, Atlanta Olympics bombing just to name a few.
The final stop in his career and the most rewarding was his partnership in Spec Rescue of America located in Virginia Beach. Dean and three close friends, who dubbed themselves “The Four Horsemen,” started Spec Rescue in March of 1994. By August of 1995 the company had started teaching internationally and accordingly changed the name to Spec Rescue International. Spec Rescue was started to teach what was a passion for specialized technical rescue. Spec International currently operates five business segments to include rescue, equipment sales, industrial services, distance learning, and training center design and build capabilities.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, barbequing and traveling. He was an active member of Troutville Baptist Church. He could often be found making his famous BBQ for church functions and special occasions. During the course of his life Dean was fortunate enough to have visited all 50 states and multiple countries, for business and pleasure. He enjoyed helping others and serving his community. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Dean was born in Quantico, Va., on July 18, 1942 and lived in Troutville for the majority of his life. He was preceded in death by his children’s mother, Barbara Bryant Paderick; his parents, E.L. “Pat ”Paderick, Sr. and Thelma Barnett Paderick.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Christine Paderick; Andy and Kim Paderick; Chad and Mary Paderick; grandchildren, Zachary Paderick (Kylie); Skyler Paderick (Rachael); Elijah Austin; Wyatt Austin (Chloe); Amy Marsh (Brian); Benjamin Silcox (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Christopher and Greyson Paderick; Emory and Mattie Marsh; Benjamin and Brooks Silcox; brother, E.L. “Pat” Paderick, Jr. (Pam); sisters, Muriel Poulin, Linda King (John) and Nancy Parrish, and several nieces and nephews; and friends too numerous to name.
A funeral service honoring Dean’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at Bonsack Baptist Church, 4845 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke, with Pastor Carol Johnston officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Troutville Baptist Church, 5520 Lee Highway, Troutville. Live streaming option of the service will be announced on the Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dean’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or Town of Troutville Park Fund, P.O. Box 276, Troutville, 24175, or Troutville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 609, Troutville, 24175 or Troutville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 309, Troutville, 24175. Arrangements by Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan, (540) 254-3000. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com.
